PALO ALTO -- A Union City man arrested on suspicion of pilfering packages from a Palo Alto doorstep has been tied to similar thefts in San Jose, police said Sunday.

Since his arrest Jan. 1 police have turned up evidence they say shows that Andrew Philip Stafford, 25, was responsible for stealing other pieces of mail. While searching a storage unit rented out to Stafford in Campbell, officers found two packages that may have been stolen from San Jose porches, said Palo Alto police officer Marco Estrada.

Investigators also found a personal check in Stafford's white 1972 Chevrolet pickup that allegedly stolen from a San Jose mail box Dec. 28.

Stafford was booked into the Santa Clara County jail on various felony and misdemeanor allegations, including possession of stolen property. He may face more charges because investigators have not yet finished their probe.

The case cracked open New Year's Day when a resident on the 2600 block of Marshall Drive in Palo Alto called police around 12:20 p.m. after seeing a man steal two packages from a neighbor's doorstep. Minutes later Palo Alto police officers, spotted the alleged thief and arrested him.

In the suspect's truck they found the packages, which contained about $120 in merchandise. Police also seized a collapsible baton, a fake .45 caliber handgun as well as methamphetamine and cocaine. Because of some plastic bags and a scale in the truck, investigators believe he was also dealing drugs.

Advertisement

Anyone who thinks they may be a victim or have information about the thefts can call Palo Alto police at 650-329-2413.